Published: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 12:12 PM.

“To me there was no doubt,” said Commissioner Kelley Windes, who served on the screening committee to select a new director. “He is well qualified. What impressed me was his performance on getting things done … writing grants. He had a real good record on it.”

Harman, who has worked as Tallahassee’s aviation director since 2011, was chosen from an original pool of 175 applicants. He will oversee Northwest Florida Regional Airport, Destin Airport and Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview.

“I was very, very honored and humbled by the selection,” Harman said. “What drew me to the job was … you have a process there that is a process of integrity.”

He said Okaloosa County has “exceptional economic factors,” such as tourism and the military industries along with the potential of increased manufacturing with the proximity of Interstate 10.

“It’s a diversified economy, and that’s what airlines look for,” he said. “I am very excited about not only living and working there, but the fact that there is this opportunity of getting to operate a system of airports.”

Harman said his 30 years in Florida have made him familiar with all three of the county’s airports.

“They each have their own roles and niche in the marketplace today,” he said. “There’s definitely potential in each of them to create a more resilient and robust business enterprise.”

Harman replaces Greg Donovan, who left in March 1.

Prior to working for the city of Tallahassee, Harman served as interim assistant director and division director for aviation for Miami-Dade County for about six years. Before that, he worked for two years as the director for airport systems planning for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Harman earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation administration and master’s degrees in business administration in aviation and aviation management, all from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also holds numerous professional designations.

He recently was nominated for the Florida Department of Transportation’s Aviation Professional of the Year award.

County commissioners approved paying Harman a salary of $112,632 and $6,000 in moving expenses. Under his contract, he must repay the $6,000 if he leaves his job in less than two years.

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“To me there was no doubt,” said Commissioner Kelley Windes, who served on the screening committee to select a new director. “He is well qualified. What impressed me was his performance on getting things done … writing grants. He had a real good record on it.”

Harman, who has worked as Tallahassee’s aviation director since 2011, was chosen from an original pool of 175 applicants. He will oversee Northwest Florida Regional Airport, Destin Airport and Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview.

“I was very, very honored and humbled by the selection,” Harman said. “What drew me to the job was … you have a process there that is a process of integrity.”

He said Okaloosa County has “exceptional economic factors,” such as tourism and the military industries along with the potential of increased manufacturing with the proximity of Interstate 10.

“It’s a diversified economy, and that’s what airlines look for,” he said. “I am very excited about not only living and working there, but the fact that there is this opportunity of getting to operate a system of airports.”

Harman said his 30 years in Florida have made him familiar with all three of the county’s airports.

“They each have their own roles and niche in the marketplace today,” he said. “There’s definitely potential in each of them to create a more resilient and robust business enterprise.”

Harman replaces Greg Donovan, who left in March 1.

Prior to working for the city of Tallahassee, Harman served as interim assistant director and division director for aviation for Miami-Dade County for about six years. Before that, he worked for two years as the director for airport systems planning for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Harman earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation administration and master’s degrees in business administration in aviation and aviation management, all from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also holds numerous professional designations.

He recently was nominated for the Florida Department of Transportation’s Aviation Professional of the Year award.

County commissioners approved paying Harman a salary of $112,632 and $6,000 in moving expenses. Under his contract, he must repay the $6,000 if he leaves his job in less than two years.